Leader -- Mary Hills

Jenny tries to keep up with brother Joe
on the dance floor, as onlookers
scratch their heads in disbelief

Jenny may be the youngest, but she is a leader in our family.  Her “family first” mindset serves as an example for all.  Even with four children and a busy, active life, Jenny makes her extended family a priority. Her warmth and sensitivity guide her efforts to be inclusive and generous.  Case in point: the family reunion.   In her wisdom, she was tenacious in making it happen and encouraging us to participate, and we were ultimately grateful to be there, and  happy to feel a part of this special, unique family.

When I first met Jenny, she was a little girl and I was a college student.  I tried to wow her with big-sisterly outings to the mall, late night chats, and even some ill-fated fashion advice (blue mascara!) . . . perhaps with the hope that Jenny would some day accept me and maybe even look up to me.  But many years later, I am the one looking up to Jenny!  An exemplary mom, sister, wife, daughter, and friend, Jenny does it all with grace and kindness.

I’ll admit my favorite thing about Jenny is her great sense of humor.  She is truly one of the funniest people I have met, and she has the very best laugh.  The adorable dimples that come along with it are a bonus!

Happy Birthday, Jenny.

Love,

Mary

Sweet -- Joe Hills

Joe showing his enthusiasm for Jenny's 40th . . .
(actually, showing his mad skills on the dance floor -- Lake Tahoe, August 2005)

. . . Bitter, Astringent, Salty, Sour, and Pungent.  The rest of the Hills family has those five tastes covered, but thankfully God sent some dessert at the end. With Jenny came the Sweetness that made our family whole.

Jenny has always been a great blessing to our family and everyone around her. Distance and age difference cannot erase the memories of caring for her, and of her caring for me, for that matter.  Jenny's love for me was special, and formative I think -- a kind of love I've not felt from anyone else -- the kind of love that can only come from a little sister.

The closeness of our youth -- me foregoing teenage nights out for an evening with my five year old sister, albeit at her insistence -- gave way to following our own paths, and raising our own families. As someone remarked to me recently about Jenny (and Eric) "Rarely, have I seen such good parenting," it struck me just how special and remarkable of a mother Jenny is. Such warmth and emotion and caring and intelligence. 

Jenny, your children are lucky, and we all are blessed that you were born to us 40 years ago, and still give your sweetness to us today.

I Love You,

Joe